Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-01
West Virginia University.

The readers of the Independent, /
hope, will enjoy this letter, as it will
give some general information, re.a-
tive to the West Virginia Universe
ty,-the seat of the culture, beauty
and ambition, of the State. The past
history of this institution, has not
been such, as to gain the general APP
probation of the people. Politics
should never be dragged into the
schools, for thereby they become
scenes of bitter personality. In the
heat of contention, men are selected
for instructors who possess neither
ability nor education, and who would
grace coal cart with becoming dig
nifty. l do not wish to be misunder-
stood on this point. These men have
brought to their duties, partisan ami
mostly and this, coupled to the bit
ter feelings of the party now out Of
power, for years kept the halls of the
University sparsely occupied. When
the present efficient President, E. M.
Turner, ESQ, was elected by the
Board of Regents, his very first ut.
terance was to assure the people OF
the State that the aim Of his presi
dency would be to advance the repu
tation Of the Institution to turn the
tide OF opposition and envious bick-
erings into channel of usefulness
and progress to make the people
proud of the State University. What
has been the result? To-day there
is scarcely an empty seat in the Uni
versity it's excellence is indisputa-
BILE, and every year, from the ranks
of the students, 60 forth men, who
are able to battle successfully for
honor, and possess brains and ener
gy that will call them to fill promi-
nent positions in the. business and
political worlds. The time is here
for the whole State to praise the i'm
proved reputation of the Universe
ty, and to encourage the able in
structors therein. The University
grounds are located in the Northern
suburbs of Morgantown, on lovely
elevation. The premisesare well car
ed for, and certainly present fine
appearance. Two handsome brick
buildings grace the plat, and these
are we'll modelled, high ceilings, good
ventilation, and steam heating appa-
ratus. conducting to the health of the
students. They are eligibly situated
and well-adapted to their purposes.
Besides these buildings, there is a
nice armory, and the encampment
grounds are level and accessible. The
University is the successor of the
"West Virginia Agricultural Col
lege," which twas established in 1867
with the STATE share of the land
granted to Congress in aid of agri-
cultural and Industrial education in
the State" Subsequently this fund
has been increased to $107, 900, which
is the present permanent endowment
of the institution. Morgantown, rec
ognizing the influence and benefit of
such an institution, donated in build
ings, grounds and money, some $780,.
900. Railroad facilities now bring
the visitor and student directly to
the town. 1t has not fallen to my
lot to meet all of the Professors in
this institution of learning. Those
whom l have met, are gentlemen of
the first water. President Turner Ia
graduate of Princeton,) was born in
Harrison County, Dec, oath, 1874.
Washington and Jefferson colleges,
in 1886, conferred on him the honor
AIRY degree of L. L. ID. Courteous,
prompt, watchful, he is the par eT-
cellence Of Presidents. He shows no
favors knows no Partially; neg
lects no duty fears no criticism.
The regents MAIDS a wise and excel.
lent move when they secured his ser
vices, and the people OF the State
may rest assured the present repu-
tation OF the University will be sus-
tanned, so long as he is ut the helm.
The law department of the Univer
sity, is under the supervision OF ex-
perienced gentlemen. In the Com
mon and Statute Law. Professor St.
George L. Brooke, presides with dig
nifty and grace Descended from one
of the oldest and most highly re-
spected families of the ''Old Domin-
ion," many of whom have won gold
ed opinions by their ability and
shrewdness in the law. He is emf
nently qualified to unravel the
tangled webs of the law; to enii= hit
en- the student in Blackstone, Steph-
| ana .to With t,lpaSant manners a